Meet People in Greater Des Moines and Connect
So you know where Greater Des Moines (DSM) is located, you have a general idea of what the region has to offer and what kind of job you can find, but the big question still looms: can I make friends and meet people in DSM?
Yes, a resounding YES. No matter where you are in life, where your interests lie and how you approach your social life (introverts, we see you!), ways to get connected and find your community in DSM are around every corner. From neighborhood events to professional groups and volunteer opportunities, DSM makes it easy to find your people and build connections. Check out our top ways to make friends and meet people.
How to Get Connected in the Des Moines Community
The best place to start meeting people is in your neighborhood. Follow your local chamber on social media or sign up for their email list to find out what’s happening in your area, including upcoming events and ways to get involved. As you start to check out local businesses, give them a follow on social, too. Coffee shops, retailers, libraries, breweries and restaurants often host events and you’ll get alerted right in your feeds when the next gatherings will take place.
The Catch Des Moines and Downtown DSM calendars are excellent resources to discover opportunities to do something fun and meet people, too. You can also explore community-specific events and neighborhoods through our “Where Should I Live?” quiz to find the best fit for your lifestyle.
Connect and Do Good — Volunteer in the Greater Des Moines Community
DSM is a vibrant place full of individuals and organizations dedicated to service and community improvement. If you’re passionate about service, volunteering is a great way to meet people in DSM. As a state, Iowa’s volunteer rate ranks fourth in the nation. The DSM nonprofit community is diverse and effective, providing services and support for all who call the region home and it’s easy to find ways to give your time and talent that aligns with your values and passions.
Here are some tools for getting involved with volunteer projects at local nonprofits in DSM:
Volunteer Iowa works to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service. The agency is part of a network of state service commissions that exist to foster a bipartisan, state-level commitment to advancing service initiatives as well as developing, communicating and promoting a statewide vision and ethic of service. People who want to volunteer with a state agency can get involved with Volunteer Iowa’s volunteer program or with its AmeriCorps VISTA project.
United Way of Central Iowa brings together local nonprofits, businesses, elected officials and community leaders to collaborate and implement solutions to some of the region's challenges. The United Way counts on volunteers, advocacy and donations to pursue their missions.
Greater Des Moines Mentoring Programs
Meet Young Professionals in Greater Des Moines
The mission of Young Professionals Connection (YPC) is to promote an environment that attracts and retains young professionals in DSM. Its efforts focus on connecting emerging leaders to each other and to the community through social, civic, charitable and professional development endeavors. Members benefit from making professional connections, developing their careers and meeting new people while helping the community and learning how to effect change. Young professionals will grow personally and professionally, form lasting relationships and form a strong foundation for their future in YPC.
YPC has 16 board seats and nine committees. Explore ways to get involved.